Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging waterfowl hunters to take care along the Arkansas River and nearby state wildlife areas. A sewage spill in Pueblo earlier this year may have left the water unsafe.

The warning comes as waterfowl hunting season gets underway in southeastern Colorado. It also applies to other people who spend time outdoors along the river.

The spill took place August 26-27. It released about 4.2 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Arkansas River.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment then tested the water. It found high levels of E. coli bacteria at several places downstream.

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Water quality has improved in some places. In other stretches of the river, high bacteria levels have stayed. Bacteria levels have also risen for short periods after rain. Rain washes waste from nearby areas into the water. These changes show why people should know local water conditions and take care. The health department has tested the river many times. The latest sampling and test results are available online.

Waterfowl hunters face added risk. They often wade into shallow water and retrieve the birds they shoot. They also handle wet gear and carry clothing and equipment that may have touched river water or mud.

"Raw sewage can carry pathogens such as E. coli, viruses and parasites," said Ashley Rust, Ph.D., CPW water quality specialist. "Out of an abundance of caution, we provide these advisories to the public."

Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends these steps for hunters near water that may be contaminated.

• Avoid direct water contact. Stay out of waters under active contact advisories. Do not expose bare skin to water or mud that may be contaminated. This is especially important for open cuts or wounds.
• Clean clothing and footwear. Take off wet clothing and footwear after hunting. Wash those clothes by themselves with detergent and dry them fully. Clean boots and waders before storing or using them again.
• Clean hunting equipment. Fully clean decoys, retrieval gear and other equipment that may have touched the water or mud. Keep dirty gear away from food, clean clothing and personal items.
• Wash hands and exposed skin. Use soap and clean running water. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds after touching water, mud, hunting gear or harvested birds. Also wash before eating or preparing food. Scrub between fingers and under fingernails. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends soap and water over hand sanitizer. Washing physically removes germs and dirt that sanitizer may not kill. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol until you can wash properly.
• Handle harvested waterfowl carefully. Wear disposable gloves when cleaning birds. Keep game clean, cool and dry. Do not let contaminated water or equipment touch the meat.
• Practice safe food preparation. Wash hands, knives, cutting boards and work surfaces after handling raw game. Keep raw meat away from other foods. Cook game meat to an inside temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Leaving the field. Hunters should think about carrying clean water, soap and paper towels in their vehicles or gear. That way they can wash their hands before eating, handling food or leaving the field.
• Retriever dogs. Hunters who use dogs should plan to rinse them with clean water. They should also try to keep dogs from drinking water that may be contaminated. Dogs and other pets can be exposed to harmful bacteria by touching or drinking contaminated water.

"These additional precautions may require hunters to take a few extra steps before, during and after their time in the field, but they should complement, never distract from, the basic safety practices every hunter should follow," said Mike Brown, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Pueblo area wildlife manager. "Safe firearm handling, knowing your target and what lies beyond it, wearing a life jacket when hunting from a boat, remaining aware of changing weather and water conditions, and carrying your hunting license are just as important today as ever. We want hunters to enjoy the season, protect themselves and return home safely."

The agency issued a water contact advisory on September 2. It named 10 state wildlife areas and the Las Animas Fish Hatchery along the Arkansas River as possibly affected by the spill.

The wildlife areas named were Melon Valley, Rocky Ford, Oxbow, Purgatoire River, Fort Lyon, North Gateway Ponds, Granada, Deadman, Midwestern Farms and Holly.

Water quality has varied along the river since the spill. On September 4, Colorado Parks and Wildlife lifted the sewage-related advisory at John Martin Reservoir State Park. Repeated tests showed the water there met standards for recreation.

Hunters and other visitors should not assume the whole river is safe because one location has improved. They are encouraged to check the latest water quality information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. They should also follow any posted advisories before entering affected areas.